Is Advocate's Call for Assassination of Kerala CM Vijayan Justified?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Public comments advocating violence are legally actionable.
- The Congregation of the Mother of Carmel has distanced itself from Teena Jose.
- This incident has sparked a national debate on hate speech.
- Legal consequences for inciting violence are being pursued.
- Social media platforms bear responsibility for monitoring hate speech.
Kochi, Nov 19 (NationPress) A recent statement from an advocate has prompted another legal representative to initiate a case against Teena Jose, who allegedly made a public appeal on social media advocating for the ‘assassination’ of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
In response to this inflammatory remark, advocate Subhash Theekkadan has lodged a formal complaint with the state's Director General of Police, asserting that her comment constitutes incitement to murder and poses a significant threat to the democratically elected leader of the state.
The contentious remark was made in a comment on a Facebook post about Chief Minister Vijayan’s involvement in the local body election campaign.
Teena Jose, a former nun, reportedly stated, “At least then someone should throw a bomb and finish him off. This world that finished off a good human like Rajiv Gandhi can do it.”
Such a violent and provocative statement has sparked widespread condemnation from various political and social circles, demanding stringent legal and moral repercussions against her.
In light of the escalating public outrage against the former nun, the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) has distanced itself from Teena Jose, clarifying that she is no longer affiliated with their organization.
In an official press release, the CMC stated that Teena Jose’s membership was terminated in 2009 under canonical laws.
The statement further highlighted that she is prohibited from wearing religious attire, and any remarks or actions made by her are entirely her own and do not represent the CMC community.
The CMC reiterated its strong disassociation from any comments that incite violence or undermine the integrity of public office.
Meanwhile, legal action is anticipated following the complaint, with police expected to investigate social media evidence.
This incident has reignited debates surrounding hate speech, accountability on social media platforms, and the urgent need for stringent measures against calls for political violence.